There are many reasons why Croatia is one of the best sailing destinations in the world. With more than 1,000 islands lining the country’s long coastline, many are close together, so sailing distances can be relatively short and, thanks to usually calmer winds, safer.
There’s also a lot to see and do once you arrive, with gorgeous beaches and historic ruins to discover.
To charter your own yacht, you should remember to book at least several weeks in advance. Most companies operate on a week-to-week basis, which means Saturday to Saturday, for a minimum of seven days. You usually sail out of and back into the same location, although for an extra fee, you can leave the yacht at your final destination.
Size and type of boat depend on the price. Most are around 40 feet long and can accommodate half-a-dozen guests. Older boats tend to be cheaper, newer ones more comfortable.
A sailboat for a couple or four friends, say, will cost around €3,000-€4,000 per week, with extra fees for the experienced captain and crew. Boats of more than 50 feet usually come with at least two crew members. Some holidaymakers are happy to hire the use of a chef. Docking fees also need to be factored in, although the boat-cleaning fee is usually embedded in the price. A security deposit is generally required.
Those with a bigger budget may like to consider a gulet, a traditional two- or three-masted sailing vessel from the south-western coast of Turkey. These are ideal for larger groups, as they often have six cabins and are operated by four crew members.
Your captain will know the local coastline and be able to sail to hidden coves and secret bays. He will also be happy to show you the ropes, literally, and explain the skills and techniques handed down from generation to generation. He will know to look out for the local winds, although tides and air currents tend to be kind.
Of course, those with the right licences can also skipper their own yacht, and many companies offer this option.
Your daily routine starts with breakfast, perhaps followed by some snorkelling, scuba diving or swimming. Lunch is usually taken on board, then on-land activities depend on where you dock. Hiking, cycling and wine-tasting are all popular choices. If you’re here in high season, temperatures can be very high so arranging your day being out of the sun mid-afternoon is probably best. The shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, are ideal as crowds will be fewer and you can spend the whole day outdoors. If you’re in southern Dalmatia, you’re guaranteed sun most of the year round.
The evenings are usually spent at a local restaurant – again, your captain can advise –usually enjoying classic, traditional dishes.
Dalmatia is the natural choice for any sailing holiday, heading out from the main cities of Split or Dubrovnik. Any number of idyllic islands lie ahead. Historic Korčula, with its links to medieval explorer Marco Polo, is always popular, and lies close to the wine-growing peninsula of Pelješac. You can combine a stroll around a Venetian-built stronghold with a wine tour around award-winning vineyards.
Some prefer to head further south, perhaps Mljet, one half national park, the other unspoilt nature, running with mongooses and dotted with lakes. Beyond both Korčula and Mljet lies Lastovo, actually 46 islands with most of the modest population gathered on the main island of the same name. Here, you feel miles from anywhere, although you can always explore the Venetian architecture and Renaissance-era art in the churches of the main Lastovo town.
The main islands of Hvar, Brač and Vis are always popular, and are large enough to find your own area of beach or little-known cove – again, your captain can help.
If you prefer Istria, with its Italianate influences and acclaimed cuisine, then a tour around the west coast, and beautiful Rovinj and lively Poreč would be a recommended option. Many of the headlands around Pula are quite wild and unspoiled, dotted with the occasional beach bar, and a trip into the city will reward with a visit to a near-intact Roman colosseum, the Arena.
This article is sponsored by The Croatian National Tourism Board: 'Croatia Full of Life'.
